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OSWEGO, N.Y. -- As part of National Rip Current Awareness Week, the Coast Guard is warning swimmers about the dangers of getting caught in a rip current.

Coast Guard officers at Station Oswego say it is a common misconception that rip currents only happen in the ocean. In fact, they can also occur in any of the Great Lakes, including Lake Ontario.

Rip currents can happen anywhere breaking waves interact with certain beach and sandbar conditions. Officials say it is important to know what to do if you find yourself caught in one.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Shawn Wilson said, "The best policy is not to panic. Stay calm, realize all it is doing is taking you out, swim parallel to the shore, away from the current, don't try to fight the current."

Officials also suggest using a buddy system while in the water and floatation devices for anyone who lacks strong swimming skills.